Editorial
Copyright ©2007 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. May 7, 2007; 13(17): 2397-2403
Published online May 7, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i17.2397
Social learning contributions to the etiology and treatment of functional abdominal pain and inflammatory bowel disease in children and adults
Rona L Levy, Shelby L Langer, William E Whitehead
Rona L Levy, Shelby L Langer, School of Social Work, University of Washington, United States
William E Whitehead, Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United State
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Rona L Levy, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Box 354900, 4101 15th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105, United States. rlevy@u.washington.edu
Telephone: +1-206-5435917 Fax: +1-206-5431228
Received: March 13, 2007
Revised: March 15, 2007
Accepted: March 23, 2007
Published online: May 7, 2007
Abstract

This paper reviews empirical work on cognitive and social learning contributions to the etiology and treatment of illness behavior associated with functional abdominal pain and inflammatory bowel disease. A particular emphasis is placed on randomized controlled trials, the majority of which are multi-modal in orientation, incorporating elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, social learning, and relaxation. Based on this review, we offer methodological and clinical suggestions: (1) Research investigations should include adequate sample sizes, long-term follow-up assessments, and a credible, active control group. (2) Standard gastrointestinal practice should include, when appropriate, learning opportunities for patients and family members, for example, instruction regarding the encouragement of wellness behavior.

Keywords: Functional abdominal pain; Cognitive behavioral therapy; Social learning; Irritable bowel syndrome; Inflammatory bowel disease; Illness behavior